Severe accident: A5 Staffordshire both ways

A5 Staffordshire - A5 Watling Street in Cannock closed in both directions between Longford Island and Churchbridge, because of accident investigation work. Congestion to surrounding roads, including the A4601 and routes through Hatherton and Four Crosses. Diversion in operation - follow Hollow Square via A460 (Orbital) and M6 J11 to J12.

Halfords' help for women prisoners

Retail chain Halfords is urging other businesses to help women prisoners train for jobs, citing the success of a scheme it's been running for two years at HMP Drake Hall in Staffordshire.

The Halfords Academy at the prison offers inmates the chance to train as cycle mechanics, with the prospect of employment at the end of their term.

Halfords said those on the programme were subject to the same standards as other trainees, and worked on bikes that needed to be reconditioned.

"The training programme is thorough and is designed to challenge participants and raise their aspirations," said a spokesperson, adding Halfords believed the scheme could reduce re-offending.

Among participants was former drug addict Leigh Bolton, who's been working at Halfords for more than nine months. "It changed my life, my future and how other people see me," she said of the programme.

Posted at7:2523 May

European elections 2019: Polls are open

Polling stations have opened for the European Parliament elections.

PA

Seventy-three members, known as MEPs, will be elected in nine constituencies in England, with seven elected in the West Midlands.

MEPs are elected by proportional representation, in order as listed by their party.

The number of MEPs each party gets is calculated using a formula called d'Hondt, except in Northern Ireland, where the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system is used.

Results will not be announced until all EU nations have voted over the next three days - with the voting process completed by 22:00 on Sunday 26 May.

Ambulance service 'to rely less' on fast cars

West Midlands Ambulance Service says it's going to be relying less on motorbikes and response cars and more on traditional ambulances in the future.

Mark Docherty, its executive director of clinical commissioning, said: “We invested a lot in response cars, a lot of motorcycles and even bicycles. But what we found was that it was all well and good getting a paramedic there, but what do they then do with the patient?"

BBC

Mr Docherty said he also wanted more defibrillators "on every street corner", so that if someone suffered a cardiac arrest, they could get help quickly.

Posted at18:0521 May

Staying dry in the West Midlands

Alex Hamilton

BBC Weather

There's no end in sight for the dry weather over the next 24 hours, with more forecast tonight and tomorrow - here's the full report for the West Midlands: